National Shrine of The Divine Mercy

National Shrine Seeks Volunteers

Dear Friends,

Each year, the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy celebrates the first Sunday after Easter as Divine Mercy Sunday, along with the Catholic Church at large. The celebrations have grown over the years, and the whole event has become known as "Divine Mercy Weekend on Eden Hill," with pilgrims coming from as far away as Mexico and Western Canada. One of the greatest needs of the pilgrims is hospitality.

Divine Mercy Weekend is a fun-filled weekend for many, and all volunteers fulfill the inner desire of volunteering for the local community. Although the event is religious in nature, any member of the community is welcome to attend the event as a volunteer. Eden Hill prides itself on accepting all members of the community to assist them, and appreciate those efforts greatly. Choosing to become a volunteer for the weekend means that there will be interaction among many other people, while providing a service to the community as well as to Eden Hill and Divine Mercy Weekend.

This is a letter of invitation to join us in ministering to the pilgrims in one of many areas. We have many areas that need spirit filled volunteers to help our pilgrims feel the love and mercy of our Lord. While the majority of the pilgrims speak English, we do have some who speak other languages such as Spanish, Polish, Italian, French, and Tagalog. If you speak any of these or any other foreign language, your assistance would be greatly appreciated.

We can use your help this year for Mercy Weekend, as well as pre- and post-event. Of course, Divine Mercy Sunday is our busiest day, and the day we need the most help. Some of the areas where we need assistance include ushering, crowd control, gift shop, maintenance, first aid, and help with the handicapped. Eucharistic Ministers, information hosts, and parking lot attendents are also needed.

This is a wonderful time to share your gifts and God's Mercy with our pilgrims. This would also be a great experience for Ministry Groups, Confirmation Candidates, and any Religious Education Classes Grades 9-11, to observe, in person, the devotion of our pilgrims. If you know of anyone who may be interested, please pass along this information.

Volunteers must be 18 years of age or at least 16 and under the direct supervision of an adult. The commitment is for a full day during Mercy Weekend and at least 4 hours for other times. Please call the volunteer coordinator for further information.